Lightweight pinch grip hanger

ABSTRACT

In a lightweight and environmentally friendly pinch grip hanger, the height of the hanger body is reduced to have the upper ends of the jaws of the pinch grip to extend beyond the upper flange of the hanger body. This configuration reduces the weight of the hanger and saves the raw material used to mold the hanger. The hanger is environmentally friendly. The hanger further has an elevated portion formed below a lower neck region of the hanger where the hook of the hanger mounted to the hanger body. The hanger body further has a raised rib extending throughout the entire length of the hanger body.

CROSS REFERENCE OF RELATED APPLICATIONS

Under 35 U.S.C. §119(e), this application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/149,688 filed Feb. 3, 2009, entitled “LIGHTWEIGHT PINCH GRIP HANGER”, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

The present invention relates generally to molded plastic garment hangers as are widely used for the purpose of shipping and displaying garments. More specifically, the present invention relates to a lightweight pinch grip hanger with improved hanger body and pinch grips, which consumes less material and less energy for processing the material as compared to the prior art pinch grip hangers, while enhancing the pinch grip strength of the hanger, and without compromising the structural integrity and mechanical performance of the hanger.

2. Description of Related Art

In the area of retail garment sales, so-called Garment-On-Hanger (GOH) programs have become preferred by retailers. In a GOH program, garments are delivered to retail merchants already suspended from hangers, where upon arrival at the retail location the garments are immediately placed on display for sale. Those hangers are normally plastic molded hangers as widely used for the purpose of shipping and displaying garments.

In particular, different retailers have specified particular hangers or hanger characteristics among their several suppliers in order to achieve uniformity on their sales floors. To this end, industry standards as to hanger size, shape, performance characteristics, etc., are maintained, for example, by organizations such as the Voluntary Inter-industry Commerce Standards Association (VICS).

With the continuing consumption of the natural resources, it is popular and necessary in the manufacturing industry, especially for mass production, to optimize the product design to save materials and energy and concomitantly reduce the manufacturing and transportation costs, without compromising performance. The resultant product under such a material and energy saving concept is recognized as an environmentally friendly product, and is much more market competitive than its prior art counterpart. Specifically, in the plastic hanger molding industry, millions of plastic hangers are manufactured each year. Thus, a lightweight pinch grip hanger, which consumes less material and less energy for processing the material compared to the prior art pinch grip hangers, greatly reduces manufacturing and transportation costs of a large amount of the hangers. Accordingly, the lightweight pinch grip hanger is environmentally advantageous, and also provides a significant commercial advantage to the manufacturer, transporter and retailer in the industry.

It is desirable, however, that when a large amount of improved hangers, such as lightweight hangers, are transported and handled by the existing mechanical systems, these hangers do not conflict or interfere with the existing mechanical systems to adversely impact operability.

Accordingly, there is a need for a novel pinch grip hanger that employs less material in manufacturing, reduces transportation costs and enhances the pinch grip strength of the hanger, while maintaining its structural integrity and mechanical performance to satisfy current industry standards, for example, the VICS standards.

Accordingly, there is a need for a novel pinch grip hanger that is lightweight and easy to handle while enhancing the pinch grip strength and still maintaining the performance of the hanger.

Accordingly, there is a need for a novel pinch grip hanger that effectively reduces manufacturing and transportation costs of the hanger, and uses less material to protect the environment.

Accordingly, there is a need for a novel pinch grip hanger made from less material while enhancing the pinch grip strength and still maintaining performance and compatibility with the existing mechanical systems in the retailer facilities for transporting and handling hangers.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, in order to overcome certain deficiencies of the prior art, provided according to the present invention is a lightweight pinch grip hanger. The pinch grip hanger includes a hook member and a body connected to the hook. The body includes a first arm extending from a centerline of the body to a first end of the body and a second arm extending from the centerline to a second end of the body. The hanger further includes a first pinch grip connected to the first end of the body, which includes a fixed jaw connected to the first end and a movable jaw mounted to the fixed jaw through a pivot shaft. The movable jaw includes an upper end which is moved toward an upper end of the fixed jaw when the movable jaw is actuated to open the pinch grip. The body further includes an upper flange, a lower flange and a connecting web between the upper flange and the lower flange. The first upper end of the movable jaw and the second upper end of the fixed jaw extend upwardly beyond the upper flange of the body.

Preferably, the hanger body further includes an elevated portion formed substantially in the middle of the hanger body.

Preferably, the pinch grip of the hanger is dimensioned to have a narrowed width relative to standard prior art pinch grip hangers.

Preferably, the upper flange and lower flange of the hanger body are substantially horizontal and parallel to each other and the connecting web is substantially vertical to the upper and lower flanges.

Preferably, the connecting web includes an upper straight portion, a lower straight portion, and a curved portion connecting the upper straight portion and the lower straight portion.

Preferably, the first pinch grip includes a spring for applying a biasing force, against which the upper end of the moveable jaw and the upper end of the fixed jaw are moved toward each other to open the pinch grip. More preferably, the spring includes a cutout.

Preferably, the hanger further includes a second pinch grip connected to the second end of the body. The second pinch grip includes a fixed jaw connected to the first end and a movable jaw mounted to the fixed jaw through a pivot shaft, the movable jaw comprising an upper end which is moved toward an upper end of the fixed jaw when the movable jaw is actuated to open the pinch grip.

Preferably, the hanger further includes a supporting web integrally molded with the hanger body and the first pinch grip. More preferably, the hanger includes a first supporting web integrally molded with the hanger body and the first pinch grip and a second supporting web integrally molded with the hanger body and the second pinch grip.

Preferably, the hanger body further includes a post extending upward from the body for receiving the hook member and a pair of reinforcing flanges disposed angularly between the post and the upper flange of the body. More preferably, the hanger further includes a size indicator operatively engaging the post and/or the reinforcing flanges to mount the indicator onto the hanger body, the size indicator capable of being actuated to release the engagement between the indicator and the hanger body. More preferably, the hanger further includes a size indicator operatively engaging the upper flange of the hanger body to mount the indicator onto the hanger body, the size indicator capable of being actuated to release the engagement between the indicator and the hanger body.

Provided according to another aspect of the present invention is a pinch grip hanger. The hanger includes a hook member, a body connected to the hook, and an elevated portion arranged between the hook member and the body. The body includes a first arm extending to a first end of the body and a second arm extending oppositely to a second end of the body. The body further includes an upper flange and a lower flange connected by a middle web, the middle web including an upper straight portion, a lower straight portion and a curved portion between the upper straight portion and the lower straight portion. The hanger further includes a first pinch grip, having a first fixed jaw integrally molded to the first end of the body, a first movable jaw mounted to the first fixed jaw through a first pivot shaft, and a first biasing member against which the first movable jaw is actuated to selectively open the first pinch grip. The first fixed jaw includes an upper end positioned vertically above the upper flange of the body and the first moveable jaw includes an upper end positioned vertically above the upper flange of the body. The hanger further includes a second pinch grip, having a second fixed jaw integrally molded to the second end of the body, a second movable jaw mounted to the second fixed jaw through a second pivot shaft, and a second biasing member against which the second movable jaw is actuated to selectively open the second pinch grip. The second fixed jaw includes an upper end positioned vertically above the upper flange of the body and the second moveable jaw includes an upper end positioned vertically above the upper flange of the body.

Provided according to another aspect of the present invention is a combination of hanger and size indicator. The combination includes a hanger and a size indicator. The hanger includes a hook member, a body connected to the hook, and a first pinch grip connected to the body. The body includes a first arm extending from a centerline of the body to a first end of the body and a second arm extending from the centerline to a second end of the body. The first pinch grip includes a fixed jaw connected to the first end and a movable jaw mounted to the fixed jaw through a pivot shaft. The movable jaw includes an upper end which is moved toward an upper end of the fixed jaw when the movable jaw is actuated to open the pinch grip. The body further includes an upper flange, a lower flange and a connecting web between the upper flange and the lower flange, and the upper end of the movable jaw and the upper end of the fixed jaw extend upwardly beyond the upper flange of the body. The body further includes a post extending upward from the body for receiving the hook member and a pair of reinforcing flanges disposed angularly between the post and the upper flange of the body. The size indicator operatively engages at least one of the post, the reinforcing flanges and the upper flange of the body, to mount the indicator onto the hanger body. The size indicator is capable of being actuated to release the engagement between the indicator and the hanger body.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects and benefits of the present invention will be made apparent with reference to the following specification and accompanying drawings, where like reference numerals refer to like features across the several views, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a prior art pinch grip hanger;

FIG. 2 is a cross section view along line 2-2 in FIG. 1, showing M section configuration of the prior art pinch grip hanger;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the prior art pinch grip hanger taken along the phantom line in FIG. 1, showing the details of a pinch grip of the hanger;

FIG. 4 is a front view showing a pinch grip hanger according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a cross section view along line A-A in FIG. 4, showing an I-beam section of the pinch grip hanger;

FIG. 6 is a front view showing a pinch grip hanger according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6A is an enlarged view of a portion of the hanger in FIG. 6;

FIG. 7 is a front view showing a pinch grip hanger according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a front view showing a pinch grip hanger according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 9 is a cross section view along line B-B in FIG. 8, showing a curved beam of the pinch grip hanger.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIG. 1, illustrated is a pinch grip hanger 100 as is known in the art. The hanger has a hook member 110 and a hanger body 120 connected to the hook member 110 substantially at the middle of the body 120. The hanger body 120 is substantially symmetrical along a centerline CL of the body, as shown in the figure.

The body 120 has an upper portion, which includes a centrally located boss 130, to which the hook member 110 is rotatably mounted. The boss 130 is reinforced by a pair of flanges 132 and 134 on opposite sides thereof, which are integrally molded and joined to a the body 120. Preferably, the pair of flanges 132 and 134 are substantially symmetrical to one another relative to the centerline CL of the hanger body 120.

The region of the hanger, where the boss 130 and the flanges 132 and 134 are disposed and where the hook member 110 joins the hanger body 120, is normally identified as a lower neck region of the hanger. The lower neck region can be used to attach an indicator for displaying information indicia with respect to the size, color and so on of the garments.

The hook member 110 is preferably fabricated from wire stock and is connected to the hanger by insertion into the boss 130. The removal of the metal hook member is prevented by any conventional attachment such as a threaded connection or an anchor clip.

The hanger body 120 includes a first arm 140 extending from the centerline CL of the body 120 to a first end 142 of the body and a second arm 150 extending from the centerline CL of the body 120 to a second end 152 of the body. The first arm 140 and the second arm 150 are geometrically symmetrical to one another relative to the centerline CL and are integrally molded to provide a single piece hanger beam. The hanger 100 further includes a first pinch grip 160 integrally molded to the first end 142 and a second pinch grip 180 integrally molded to the second end 152. The pinch grips can be actuated by a user to switch from a closed configuration to an open configuration for selectively holding a portion of a garment, which will be described later with reference to FIG. 3.

Referring to FIG. 2, illustrated is a cross section view of the body 120. The body 120 includes an upper flange 144, a lower flange 146 and a web 148 for connecting the upper flange 144 and the lower flange 146. The upper flange 144 and the lower flange 146 are substantially horizontal and parallel to one another. The web 148 connects the upper flange 144 and the lower flange 146, thus to provide an M section configuration of the body 120.

Referring to FIG. 3, illustrated is an enlarged view of the hanger 100 in the phantom line of FIG. 1, showing the details of the pinch grip 160 and conjunction of the first pinch grip 160 with the hanger body 120.

The first pinch grip 160 includes a fixed jaw 162 integrally molded to the first end 142 of the hanger body 120, a movable jaw 164 mounted to the fixed jaw 162 through a pivot shaft 166. The movable jaw 164 includes an actuating portion 168 formed at the upper end 170 of the movable jaw 164. The actuating portion 168 can be engaged by a user's finger to pivotally move the movable jaw 164 relative to the fixed jaw 162 around the pivot shaft 166, against the biasing force applied by a spring 172 operatively mounted to the first pinch grip 160. With the movement of the movable jaw 164, the upper end 170 of the movable jaw 164 approaches the upper end 174 of the fixed jaw 162, while the lower end 176 of the movable jaw 164 moves away from the lower end 178 of the fixed jaw 162. Accordingly, the first pinch grip 160 switches from its closed configuration to its open configuration, to selectively hold a portion of a garment.

As shown in FIG. 3, the first pinch grip 160 has a first width W1, defined substantially from the left most point of the first pinch grip 160 to the right most point of the pinch grip 160, and a first height H1, defined substantially from the upper most surface of the upper ends 170 and 174 to the lower most surface of the lower ends 176 and 178. The hanger body 120 has a second height H2, defined substantially from the upper flange 144 to the lower flange 146 of the body 120.

Furthermore, the first pinch grip 160 is joined to the first end 142 of the hanger body 120 in such a manner that the upper end 170 of the movable jaw 164 and the upper end 174 of the fixed jaw 162 are in flush with the upper flange 144 of the hanger body 120. In other words, the upper most surface of the upper end 170, the upper most surface of the upper end 174, and the surface of the upper flange 144 are substantially in a same horizontal plane.

The configuration of the second pinch grip 180 is correspondingly similar.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the height of the hanger, from the upper most point of the hook member 110 to the lower flange 146 of the hanger body 120, is shown as H_(A).

Referring to FIG. 4, illustrated is a lightweight pinch grip hanger according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, identified by numeral 200. The hanger 200 includes a hook 220 and a body 240 connected to the hook 220. Preferably, the body 240 is substantially symmetrical to a vertical centerline CL₁ of the hanger.

The hanger 200 further includes a post 250 extending upward from the body 240, the intersection of the post 250 and the body 240 defining a lower neck region of the hanger, where a lower neck sizer may be attached. The hook 220 is mounted to the post 250 through any known implement, such as mating threads. An example of the lower neck sizer can be found at U.S. Pat. No. 7,513,400 under the title “Spring Top Lower Neck Hanger Sizing” or U.S. Pat. No. 7,516,875 under the title “Lower Neck Indicator for Wire Hook Hanger”, which are commonly owned by the applicant of the present application. The entire disclosures of the above patents are incorporated by reference for all purposes.

The hanger 200 further includes a pair of flanges 270 and 272, disposed angularly between the post 250 and the body 240, for reinforcing the post 250. The reinforcing flanges 270 and 272 are disposed on opposite sides of the post 250 and are integrally molded to the body 240 and the post 250. Preferably, the pair of flanges 270 and 272 substantially symmetrical to one another relative to the centerline CL₁ of the hanger body 240. For example, the lower neck sizer operatively engages the post 250 and/or the flanges 270 and 272, to mount the sizer onto the hanger. Alternatively, the lower neck sizer may engage an upper flange of the hanger body, which will be described later. Preferably, the indicator can be actuated to selectively release the engagement between the sizer and the hanger.

The hanger body 240 includes a first arm 242 extending from the centerline CL₁ to a first end 244 of the hanger body 240 and a second arm 246 extending oppositely from the centerline CL₁ to a second end 248 of the hanger body 240.

Preferably, the first arm 242 and the second arm 246 are geometrically symmetrical to one another relative to the centerline CL₁ to provide a unitary single-piece hanger beam. A first pinch grip 280 is integrally molded to the first end 244 and a second pinch grip 290 is integrally molded to the second end 248. Preferably, the pinch grips 280 and 290 can be actuated by a user or a machine to switch from a closed configuration to an open configuration for selectively holding at least a portion of a garment.

FIG. 5 is a cross section view of the hanger body 240. The body 240 includes an upper flange 241, a lower flange 243, and a connecting web 245 between the upper flange 241 and the lower flange 243. Preferably, the upper flange 241 and the lower flange 243 are substantially horizontal and parallel to one another, and the connecting web 245 is substantially perpendicular to the upper flange 241 and the lower flange 243. Accordingly, the hanger beam is substantially an I-beam. Alternatively, the web 245 can assume any other suitable shape, profile or position to provide an appropriate beam configuration for the hanger, such as a C-section beam.

Referring back to FIG. 4, the first pinch grip 280 includes a fixed jaw 282 integrally molded to the first end 244 of the first arm 242, a movable jaw 283 mounted to the fixed jaw 282 through a pivot shaft 284. The movable jaw 283 includes an actuating portion 285 formed at the upper end 286 of the movable jaw 283. The actuating portion 285 can be engaged by a user's finger to pivotally move the movable jaw 283 relative to the fixed jaw 282 around the pivot shaft 284, against the biasing force applied by a spring 288 operatively mounted to the first pinch grip 280.

With the movement of the movable jaw 283, the upper end 286 of the movable jaw approaches the upper end 287 of the fixed jaw 282, while the lower end of the movable jaw 283 moves away from the lower end of the fixed jaw 282. Accordingly, the first pinch grip 280 switches from its closed configuration to its open configuration, to selectively hold a portion of a garment.

Preferably, the lower end of the movable jaw 283 and the lower end of the fixed jaw 282 are formed with a plurality of teeth for enhancing the pinching and gripping capacity of the grip. Other gripping configurations known in the art including a long jaw with a single elongated tooth or a padded surface are also contemplated.

Now referring to FIG. 5, the hanger body 240 has a third height H3, defined substantially from the top of the upper flange 241 to the bottom of the lower flange 243 of the hanger body 240. The third height H3 is smaller than the second height H2 of the standard prior art hanger 100. Consequently, the resin material used for molding the hanger body 240 is reduced, compared to the prior art hanger 100. Preferably, the ratio of the third height H3 to the second height H2 is approximately in the range of 40-90%. Accordingly, 10-60% less resin material is used for molding the hanger body 240 as compared to the material used for molding the hanger body 120 of the prior art hanger 100.

The upper end 286 of the movable jaw 283 and the upper end 287 of the fixed jaw 282 extend upwardly beyond the upper flange 241 of the hanger body 240. In other words, either the upper end 286 or the upper end 287 is positioned substantially in a horizontal plane vertically above the horizontal plane in which the upper flange 241 resides.

Furthermore, the inventor of the present invention has discovered that in such a configuration wherein the upper end 286 of the movable jaw 283 and the upper end 287 of the fixed jaw 282 extend upwardly beyond the upper flange 241 of the hanger body 240, the leverage offered by the pinch grip is greater as compared to the prior art hanger 100 wherein the upper ends of the jaws of the pinch grip are flush with the upper flange of the hanger body. Accordingly, it is much more convenient for a user to operate the pinch grips of the hanger. The second pinch grip 290 is preferably structurally symmetrical to the first pinch grip 280. In this regard, the pinch grip hanger 200 consumes less material by having a narrowed hanger beam, as well as shows a better performance for a user to operate the pinch grips.

In addition, the pinch grips 280 and 290, according to the embodiment of the present invention, are narrowed, having a narrowed width compared to the pinch grips of the standard prior art hanger, in order to further enhance the gripping capacity of the pinch grips. In this way, the same biasing force applied by the same spring is distributed along a shorter distance at the lower ends of fixed jaw and the moveable jaw, compared to the known pinch grips having a greater width. Thus, the unit gripping force of the fixed jaw and the moveable jaw of the present invention is higher than that of the prior art hanger. Accordingly, a further advantage, that the garments are reliably gripped by the pinch grips, can be provided.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, taking the first pinch grip 280 as an example, the first pinch grip 280 has a second width W2, defined substantially from the left most point of the first pinch grip to the right most point of the first pinch grip. The second width W2 is considerably smaller than the first width W1 of the prior art hanger. Therefore, further material savings can be achieved by the slimmed pinch clip 280, without compromising the mechanical performance of the hanger, in fact, enhancing the gripping capacity of the pinch grip.

FIG. 6 illustrates a pinch grip hanger 300 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The hanger 300 includes a hook 320 and a body 340 connected to the hook 320. Preferably, the body 340 is substantially symmetrical to a vertical centerline CL₂ of the hanger.

The hanger 300 further includes a post 350 extending upward from the body 340, the intersection of the post 350 and the body 340 defining a lower neck region of the hanger, where a lower neck sizer may be attached. The hook 320 is mounted to the post 350 through any known implement, such as mating threads.

The hanger 300 further includes a pair of flanges 370 and 372, disposed angularly between the post 350 and the body 340, for reinforcing the post 350. The reinforcing flanges 370 and 372 are disposed on opposite sides of the post 350 and are integrally molded to the body 340 and the post 350. Preferably, the pair of flanges 370 and 372 are substantially symmetrical to one another relative to the centerline CL₂ of the hanger body 340.

The hanger body 340 includes a first arm 342 extending from the centerline CL₂ to a first end 344 of the hanger body 340 and a second arm 346 extending oppositely from the centerline CL₂ to a second end 348 of the hanger body 340. Preferably, the first arm 342 and the second arm 346 are geometrically symmetrical to one another relative to the centerline CL₂ to provide a unitary single-piece hanger beam. A first pinch grip 360 is integrally molded to the first end 344 and a second pinch grip 380 is integrally molded to the second end 348.

The body 340 includes an upper flange 341, a lower flange 343, and a connecting web 345 between the upper flange 341 and the lower flange 343. Preferably, the upper flange 341 and the lower flange 343 are substantially horizontal and parallel to one another, and the connecting web 345 is substantially perpendicular to the upper flange 341 and the lower flange 343. Accordingly, the hanger beam is substantially an I-beam. Alternatively, the web 345 can assume any other suitable shape, profile or position to provide an appropriate beam configuration for the hanger, such as a C-section beam.

The first pinch grip 360 includes a fixed jaw 362 integrally molded to the first end 344 of the first arm 342, a movable jaw 363 mounted to the fixed jaw 362 through a pivot shaft 364. The movable jaw 363 includes an actuating portion 365 formed at the upper end 366 of the movable jaw 363. The actuating portion 365 can be engaged by a user's finger to pivotally move the movable jaw 363 relative to the fixed jaw 362 around the pivot shaft 364, against the biasing force applied by a spring 368 operatively mounted to the first pinch grip 360.

With the movement of the movable jaw 363, the upper end 366 of the movable jaw approaches the upper end 367 of the fixed jaw 362, while the lower end of the movable jaw 363 moves away from the lower end of the fixed jaw 362. Accordingly, the first pinch grip 360 switches from its closed configuration to its open configuration, to selectively hold at least a portion of a garment. Similar to the hanger body 240 of the previous embodiment, the hanger body 340 has a same height H3 defined from the upper flange of the hanger body to the lower flange of the hanger body.

Similarly, the second pinch grip 380 includes a fixed jaw 382 integrally molded to the second end 348 of the second arm 346, a movable jaw 383 mounted to the fixed jaw 382 through a pivot shaft 384. The movable jaw 383 includes an actuating portion 385 formed at the upper end 386 of the movable jaw 383. The actuating portion 385 can be engaged by a user's finger to pivotally move the movable jaw 383 relative to the fixed jaw 382 around the pivot shaft 384, against the biasing force applied by a spring 388 operatively mounted to the first pinch grip 380.

The hanger 300 further includes an elevated portion 390 continuous to the hanger body 340, under the post 350 and the support flanges 370 and 372. The elevation portion 390 is formed to implement a seamless interchangeability between the hangers according to the present invention and the prior art hangers. Thus, for existing mechanical systems in the retailer's facility for transporting and handling garments and hangers, such as suspension bars, racks and conveyers, the prior art hangers can be replaced by the hangers of the present invention, without causing any problem regarding the compatibility of the hangers with the conventional mechanical systems. Specifically, the distance between the suspension bar and the hanger body can be maintained.

The elevated portion 390 includes an upper flange 392 and a pair of side flanges 394 and 396. The pair of side flanges 394 and 396 are integrally molded to the upper flange 391 to provide a substantially trapezoidal or plateau shape of the elevated portion 390 with a continuous contour. Furthermore, the side flanges 394 and 396 are molded continuously and integrally with the upper flange of the hanger body 340, and the elevation portion 390 is integrally molded with the hanger body 340 through a single molding process. Preferably, the elevated portion 390 is substantially symmetrical relative to the centerline CL₂ of the hanger body 340. In the shown embodiment, the elevated portion 390 is substantially trapezoidal. However, it should be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art that the elevated portion 390 can be of any suitable profile and shape.

Referring to FIG. 6A, the elevated portion 390 has a fourth height H4 defined substantially from the upper flange 392 of the elevated portion 390 to the upper flange of the hanger body 340. Compared to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the elevation portion 390 of the hanger 300 vertically raises the hanger hook 310 and the post 350.

Thus, although the height H3 of the hanger body 340 is smaller than the height H2 of the hanger body 120 of the prior art hanger, the overall height H_(B) of the hanger 300, defined from the hook 320 to the lower flange of the hanger body 340, is maintained substantially the same as the height H_(A) of the prior art hanger 100.

Accordingly, the hangers of the present invention can be readily interchanged with the prior art hangers in a retailer's facility, to accommodate the existing garment/hanger conveying systems used in a Garment-On-Hanger system.

Moreover, the height and the profile of the elevation portion 390 can be strategically adjusted, in association with the hook 310, to further reduce the overall weight of the garment hanger 300.

For example, the height H4 of the elevation portion 390 can be further extended, and the hook 310 can be shortened and minimized correspondingly. The extended height of elevation portion 390 compensates for the shortening of the hook 310, which additionally reduces the overall weight of the hanger, while still maintaining the overall height of the hanger for the purpose of accommodating conventional hanger/garment conveying systems in the retailer's facility.

FIG. 7 illustrates a pinch grip hanger 400 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The hanger 400 includes a hook 420 and a body 440 connected to the hook 420. Preferably, the body 440 is substantially symmetrical to a vertical centerline CL₃ of the hanger.

The hanger 400 further includes a post 450 extending upward from the body 440, the intersection of the post 450 and the body 440 defining a lower neck region of the hanger, where a lower neck sizer may be attached. The hook 420 is mounted to the post 450 through any known implement, such as mating threads.

The hanger 400 further includes a pair of flanges 470 and 472, disposed angularly between the post 450 and the body 440, for reinforcing the post 450. The reinforcing flanges 470 and 472 are disposed on opposite sides of the post 450 and are integrally molded to the body 440 and the post 450. Preferably, the pair of flanges 470 and 472 are substantially symmetrical to one another relative to the centerline CL₃ of the hanger body 440.

The hanger body 440 includes a first arm 442 extending from the centerline CL₃ to a first end 444 of the hanger body 440 and a second arm 446 extending oppositely from the centerline CL₃ to a second end 448 of the hanger body 440. Preferably, the first arm 442 and the second arm 446 are geometrically symmetrical to one another relative to the centerline CL₃ to provide a unitary single-piece hanger beam. A first pinch grip 460 is integrally molded to the first end 444 and a second pinch grip 480 is integrally molded to the second end 448.

The body 440 includes an upper flange 441, a lower flange 443, and a connecting web 445 between the upper flange 441 and the lower flange 443. Preferably, the upper flange 441 and the lower flange 443 are substantially horizontal and parallel to one another, and the connecting web 445 is substantially perpendicular to the upper flange 441 and the lower flange 443. Accordingly, the hanger beam is substantially an I-beam. Alternatively, the web 445 can assume any other suitable shape, profile or position to provide an appropriate beam configuration for the hanger, such as a C-section beam.

The first pinch grip 460 includes a fixed jaw 462 integrally molded to the first end 444 of the first arm 442, a movable jaw 463 mounted to the fixed jaw 462 through a pivot shaft 464. The movable jaw 463 includes an actuating portion 465 formed at the upper end 466 of the movable jaw 463. The actuating portion 465 can be engaged by a user's finger to pivotally move the movable jaw 463 relative to the fixed jaw 462 around the pivot shaft 464, against the biasing force applied by a spring 468 operatively mounted to the first pinch grip 460.

With the movement of the movable jaw 463, the upper end 466 of the movable jaw approaches the upper end 467 of the fixed jaw 462, while the lower end of the movable jaw 463 moves away from the lower end of the fixed jaw 462. Accordingly, the first pinch grip 460 switches from its closed configuration to its open configuration, to selectively hold at least a portion of a garment. Similar to the hanger body 240 of the previous embodiment, the hanger body 440 has a same height H3 defined from the upper flange of the hanger body to the lower flange of the hanger body.

Similarly, the second pinch grip 480 includes a fixed jaw 482 integrally molded to the second end 448 of the second arm 446, a movable jaw 483 mounted to the fixed jaw 482 through a pivot shaft 484. The movable jaw 483 includes an actuating portion 485 formed at the upper end 486 of the movable jaw 483. The actuating portion 485 can be engaged by a user's finger to pivotally move the movable jaw 483 relative to the fixed jaw 482 around the pivot shaft 484, against the biasing force applied by a spring 488 operatively mounted to the first pinch grip 480.

In the embodiment, the hanger 400 further includes a pair of supporting webs 920 and 940, positioned between the first end 444 and the fixed jaw 462 of the first pinch grip 460 and between the second end 448 and the fixed jaw 482 of the second pinch grip 480, respectively. The supporting webs 920 and 940 structurally expand between the ends of the hanger body and the pinch grips. Specifically, the first supporting web 920 structurally connects the undersurface of the lower flange 443, at the first end 444, to the right lateral side of the fixed jaw 462; and the second supporting web 940 structurally connects the undersurface of the lower flange 443, at the second end 448, to the left lateral side of the fixed jaw 482. Preferably, the supporting web 920 is integrally molded to the fixed jaw 462 of the first pinch grip 460 and the first end 444 of the hanger body 440, and the supporting web 940 is integrally molded to the fixed jaw 482 of the second pinch grip 480 and the second end 448 of the hanger body 440.

The provision of the supporting webs effectively enhances the physical connection between the hanger beam and the pinch grips as well as the overall strength and integrity of the hanger body. Accordingly, the undesirable breaking off of the pinch grip is further prevented.

In the shown embodiment, both supporting webs 920 and 940 are a thin layer of plastic material in the shape of substantial triangle with a curved underside. However, a person of ordinary skill in the art should appreciate that any other suitable shape and profile can be applied in place of or in addition to the shown structure.

Furthermore, in the shown embodiment, the supporting webs 920 and 940 are both disposed under the lower flange 443 of the hanger body 440, connecting the underside of the hanger body 440 with a lateral side of the fixed jaws of the pinch grips. Alternatively, the supporting webs 920 and 940 can be formed on the on the upper flange 441 of the hanger body 440, connecting the upside of the hanger body 440 with a lateral side of the fixed jaws of the pinch grips.

The hanger 400 further includes an elevated portion 490 continuous to the hanger body 440, under the post 450 and the support flanges 470 and 472. The elevation portion 490 is formed to implement a seamless interchangeability between the hangers according to the present invention and the prior art hangers. Thus, for existing mechanical systems in the retailer's facility for transporting and handling garments and hangers, such as suspension bars, racks and conveyers, the prior art hangers can be replaced by the hangers of the present invention, without causing any problem regarding the compatibility of the hangers with the conventional mechanical systems. Specifically, the distance between the suspension bar and the hanger body can be maintained.

FIG. 8 illustrates a pinch grip hanger 500 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The hanger 500 includes a hook 520 and a body 540 connected to the hook 520. Preferably, the body 540 is substantially symmetrical to a vertical centerline CL₄ of the hanger.

The hanger 500 further includes a post 550 extending upward from the body 540, the intersection of the post 550 and the body 540 defining a lower neck region of the hanger, where a lower neck sizer may be attached. The hook 520 is mounted to the post 550 through any known implement, such as mating threads.

The hanger 500 further includes a pair of flanges 570 and 572, disposed angularly between the post 550 and the body 540, for reinforcing the post 550. The reinforcing flanges 570 and 572 are disposed on opposite sides of the post 550 and are integrally molded to the body 540 and the post 550. Preferably, the pair of flanges 570 and 572 substantially symmetrical to one another relative to the centerline CL₄ of the hanger body 540.

The hanger body 540 includes a first arm 542 extending from the centerline CL₄ to a first end 544 of the hanger body 540 and a second arm 546 extending oppositely from the centerline CL₄ to a second end 548 of the hanger body 540. Preferably, the first arm 542 and the second arm 546 are geometrically symmetrical to one another relative to the centerline CL₄ to provide a unitary single-piece hanger beam.

The hanger 500 includes a first pinch grip 560 connected to the first end 544 and a second pinch grip 580 integrally molded to the second end 548. The first pinch grip 560 includes a fixed jaw 562 integrally molded to the first end 544 of the first arm 542 and a movable jaw 563 mounted to the fixed jaw 562 through a pivot shaft 564. The movable jaw 563 includes an actuating portion 565 formed at the upper end 566 of the movable jaw 563. The actuating portion 565 can be engaged by a user's finger to pivotally move the movable jaw 563 relative to the fixed jaw 562 around the pivot shaft 564, against the biasing force applied by a spring 568 operatively mounted to the first pinch grip 560.

With the movement of the movable jaw 563, the upper end 566 of the movable jaw approaches the upper end 567 of the fixed jaw 562, while the lower end of the movable jaw 563 moves away from the lower end of the fixed jaw 562. Accordingly, the first pinch grip 560 switches from its closed configuration to its open configuration, to selectively hold at least a portion of a garment. The second pinch grip 580 has same or similar structures.

The hanger 500 further includes an elevated portion 590 continuous to the hanger body 540, under the post 550 and the support flanges 570 and 572. The elevation portion 590 is similar to the elevation portion 390 of the hanger 300.

FIG. 9 is a cross section view of the hanger body 540, along the sectional lines B-B in FIG. 8. The body 540 includes an upper flange 541, a lower flange 543, and a connecting web 545 between the upper flange 541 and the lower flange 543.

Preferably, the upper flange 541 and the lower flange 543 are substantially horizontal and parallel to one another. In this exemplary embodiment, the connecting web 545 includes an upper straight portion 546, a lower straight portion 547 and a middle curved portion 548 between the upper straight portion 546 and the lower straight portion 547. Accordingly, viewed from the side, the hanger beam has a raised membrane from the plane of the vertical part of the hanger beam, as shown in FIG. 9. The rippled configuration of the hanger beam significantly improves the rigidity of the hanger beam. Preferably, the curved portion 548 extends through the overall length of the hanger body 540.

Although only one curved portion 448 is shown in the figure, it should be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art that a plurality of curved portions can be formed, raising from either side of the hanger beam.

Similar to the hanger body 240 and 340 of the previous embodiments, the hanger body 540 has a same height H3 defined from the upper flange 541 of the hanger body 540 to the lower flange 543 of the hanger body 540, such that the hanger 500 can readily replace a prior art hanger in a Garment-On-Hanger system, without causing any conflict or interference with the existing bars, racks and conveyers of the retailer's facility.

The inventor of the present invention has conducted a comparison experiment for assessing the resin material saved by an example of the novel configuration of the pinch grip hanger according to the present invention.

Following Table 1 presents the comparison of the parameters of the hanger according to the present invention vis-à-vis the parameters of a market-accessible prior art hanger (such as a “6012/12” pinch grip hanger according to VICS), both hangers meeting the requirements of the acknowledged industry standards, such as the VICS standards.

TABLE 1 Prior Art Pinch Grip Pinch Grip Hanger of the Hanger (having Present Invention (having Parameters an I beam) an I beam) Height of I beam 0.75″ 0.50″ Width of I beam 0.30″ 0.30″ Height/width ratio of I beam 2.5  1.67  Weight of metal hook 8.0 g 8.0 g Weight of metal springs 5.0 g 5.0 g Weight of K resin of hanger 23.6 g 20.0 g body Weight of K resin of clips 7.5 g 6.2 g Total weight of K resin of 31.1 g 26.2 g hanger Total weight of hanger 44.1 g 39.2 g

It can be concluded from the Table 1 that, compared to the prior art hanger averagely consuming 31.1 g of K resin, the hanger according to the present invention consumes 26.2 g of K resin. In other words, 4.9 g of K resin are saved per hanger, which accounts for about 15.75% of the total resin material of the prior art hanger. With significantly less resin material consumed, the mechanical performances of the hanger according to the present invention are still maintained at a level same or even superior than that of the prior art hanger.

Each year, about 750 million pinch grip hangers are manufactured in accordance with the VICS standards. Thus, the pinch grip hanger according to the present invention would reduce the K resin material by about 8.1 million pounds annually, which would eliminate about 24.0 million pounds of CO₂ emission for producing the same amount of K resin. Furthermore, the reduction of resin material leads to less consumption of energy and resources for storing, transporting and handling the hangers. Hence, the pinch grip hanger according to the present invention helps to preserve environment and resources, while still providing improved products to the consumers.

The hanger of the present invention can be formed of one or more of polystyrene, SAN, ABS, PPO, nylon, polypropylene (PP), polyethylene, PET, polycarbonates (PC), acrylics, K-resin, and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) among others.

From the foregoing illustrations it is readily apparent that the present invention is directed to a lightweight molded plastic garment hanger for high volume injection molding. According to the shown embodiments of the present invention, the resin material for molding the hanger body can be significantly reduced, and concomitantly the manufacturing cost and transportation cost of the hangers can be significantly reduced, while maintaining the strength, integrity and performance of the hanger. Consequently, the pinch grip hanger according to the present invention can offer the manufacturers, transporters and retailers of the hangers a market advantage, which cannot be offered by the traditional pinch grip hanger.

The hangers of the present invention consume less material while still maintaining the mechanical performance under industry standards, for example, the VICS standards. Moreover, the production of such hangers is environmentally advantageous.

The present invention has been described with respect to certain exemplary embodiments. Certain alterations and/or modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art, in light of the instant disclosure, without departing from the spirit or the scope of the invention. These embodiments are offered as merely illustrative, and not limiting, on the scope of the invention, which is defined solely with reference to the following appended claims. 

1. A pinch grip hanger comprising: a hook member; a body connected to the hook, comprising a first arm extending from a centerline of the body to a first end of the body and a second arm extending from the centerline to a second end of the body; and a first pinch grip connected to the first end of the body, comprising a fixed jaw connected to the first end and a movable jaw mounted to the fixed jaw through a pivot shaft, the movable jaw comprising an upper end which is moved toward an upper end of the fixed jaw when the movable jaw is actuated to open the pinch grip, wherein the body further comprises an upper flange, a lower flange and a connecting web between the upper flange and the lower flange, and the upper end of the movable jaw and the upper end of the fixed jaw extend upwardly beyond the upper flange of the body.
 2. The pinch grip hanger according to claim 1, wherein the hanger body further comprises an elevated portion formed substantially in the middle of the hanger body.
 3. The pinch grip hanger according to claim 1, wherein the first pinch grip is dimensioned to have a narrowed width compared to that of a standard prior art hanger.
 4. The pinch grip hanger according to claim 1, wherein the upper flange and lower flange of the hanger body are substantially horizontal and parallel to each other and the connecting web is substantially vertical to the upper and lower flanges.
 5. The pinch grip hanger according to claim 1, wherein the connecting web comprises an upper straight portion, a lower straight portion, and a curved portion connecting the upper straight portion and the lower straight portion.
 6. The pinch grip hanger according to claim 1, wherein the first pinch grip comprises a spring for applying a biasing force, against which the upper end of the moveable jaw and the upper end of the fixed jaw are moved toward each other to open the pinch grip.
 7. The pinch grip hanger according to claim 6, wherein the spring comprises a cutout.
 8. The pinch grip hanger according to claim 1, further comprising a second pinch grip connected to the second end of the body, comprising a fixed jaw connected to the first end and a movable jaw mounted to the fixed jaw through a pivot shaft, the movable jaw comprising an upper end which is moved toward an upper end of the fixed jaw when the movable jaw is actuated to open the pinch grip.
 9. The pinch grip hanger according to claim 1, further comprising at least one supporting web integrally molded with the hanger body and the fixed jaw of the first pinch grip.
 10. The pinch grip hanger according to claim 8, further comprises a first supporting web integrally molded with the hanger body and the fixed jaw of the first pinch grip and a second supporting web integrally molded with the hanger body and the fixed jaw of the second pinch grip.
 11. The pinch grip hanger according to claim 1, wherein the body of the hanger is dimensioned to have a narrow height compared to that of a standard prior art pinch grip hanger.
 12. The pinch grip hanger according to claim 11, wherein the height of the hanger is in the range of 40-90% of the height of a standard prior art pinch grip hanger.
 13. The pinch grip hanger according to claim 1, wherein the hanger body further comprises: a post extending upward from the body for receiving the hook member; and a pair of reinforcing flanges disposed angularly between the post and the upper flange of the body.
 14. The pinch grip hanger according to claim 13, further comprising a size indicator operatively engaging the post and/or the reinforcing flanges to mount the indicator onto the hanger body, the size indicator capable of being actuated to release the engagement between the indicator and the hanger body.
 15. The pinch grip hanger according to claim 1, further comprising a size indicator operatively engaging the upper flange of the hanger body to mount the indicator onto the hanger body, the size indicator capable of being actuated to release the engagement between the indicator and the hanger body.
 16. A pinch grip hanger comprising: a hook member; a body connected to the hook, having a first arm extending to a first end of the body and a second arm extending oppositely to a second end of the body, wherein the body comprises an upper flange and a lower flange connected by a middle web and the middle web comprises an upper straight portion, a lower straight portion and a curved portion between the upper straight portion and the lower straight portion; an elevated portion arranged between the hook member and the body; a first pinch grip, having a first fixed jaw integrally molded to the first end of the body, a first movable jaw mounted to the first fixed jaw through a first pivot shaft, and a first biasing member against which the first movable jaw is actuated to selectively open the first pinch grip, wherein the first fixed jaw comprises an upper end positioned vertically above the upper flange of the body and the first moveable jaw comprises an upper end positioned vertically above the upper flange of the body; and a second pinch grip, having a second fixed jaw integrally molded to the second end of the body, a second movable jaw mounted to the second fixed jaw through a second pivot shaft, and a second biasing member against which the second movable jaw is actuated to selectively open the second pinch grip, wherein the second fixed jaw comprises an upper end positioned vertically above the upper flange of the body and the second moveable jaw comprises an upper end positioned vertically above the upper flange of the body.
 17. A combination of hanger and size indicator, the combination comprising: a hanger comprising: a hook member; a body connected to the hook, comprising a first arm extending from a centerline of the body to a first end of the body and a second arm extending from the centerline to a second end of the body; a first pinch grip connected to the first end of the body, comprising a fixed jaw connected to the first end and a movable jaw mounted to the fixed jaw through a pivot shaft, the movable jaw comprising an upper end which is moved toward an upper end of the fixed jaw when the movable jaw is actuated to open the pinch grip, wherein the body further comprises an upper flange, a lower flange and a connecting web between the upper flange and the lower flange, and the upper end of the movable jaw and the upper end of the fixed jaw extend upwardly beyond the upper flange of the body; and wherein the body further comprises a post extending upward from the body for receiving the hook member and a pair of reinforcing flanges disposed angularly between the post and the upper flange of the body; and a size indicator, operatively engaging at least one of the post, the reinforcing flanges and the upper flange of the body, to mount the indicator onto the hanger body, the size indicator capable of being actuated to release the engagement between the indicator and the hanger body. 